Great Advice for Female Cadets

 An update from our ship's librarian Laurel,

08/01/14

When the men aboard the Empire State VI heard about the meeting that was taking place for women in the maritime trades, they joked. “Are you ladies conspiring?” one said. “Will there be boxing?” another grinned.

The informal lecture led by Mates Thayer and Chmielewski concentrated on the challenges of being a woman working in the maritime trades, an employment sector in which women are largely outnumbered by men. The twenty-five or so cadets in attendance, all of them women, were not there to vent about the men around them at all, but instead, came to discuss some positive tactics for building a career on equal footing. They came to hear what their post-regiment life would be like, a time when they will join a ship with people they may never have met before.

Mate Thayer began by talking about the extra scrutiny that women often face in her industry, where women stand out among other professionals aboard a ship. “It’s not a balanced environment and you will be watched with everything that you do, so you have to be on it, you have to be confident. The best way to deal with it is knowing how to do your job.”

While voicing similar ideas, Mate Chmielewski also mentioned the challenges of working as the only woman among men during her employment stints on commercial ships – and the need to be aware of your own particular circumstances. “You want to make sure that you set your boundaries. Don’t have relationships with anyone on the ship.”

Later on, the two Mates discussed what can happen in cases of sexual harassment and discrimination. “The first time anything like that happens you have to come down hard, and go to captain,” says Thayer. They both stressed the importance of keeping a written record in any such instances. “Stick to your guns and keep a log of anything that happens to you. If you let things go it won’t hold up in a court of law.”

In case of on-the-job injuries, they also gave solid advice, reminding the cadets to always let someone know, and never pretend like they aren’t injured. “Don’t feel like you have to prove something,” said Mate Chmielewski.

The mates also took questions, which ranged from advice about unions, contracts and more. Through the answers they gave and the stories they told about their own experiences, they gave a truly positive outlook on their lives as women in the maritime professions. The cadets in the audience were all ears – and looking forward to a rewarding career.

Cadet Shout Out: Martin Masterson, a 3rd class grad student, says “Hi to my Family and Maria Rose! I love you and I’ll see you soon.”